Child Care Information for Students

Spartan Kids Childcare Grant

What is “Spartan Kids”?“Spartan Kids” is a childcare grant that reduces the cost of childcare for Michigan State University students. It is a grant that was received from the United States Department of Education for the past 12 years, and this year it will be funded by the MSU Administration beginning October 1, 2013. The grant amount is $5,000 or 1,042 hours per child in the family.

How do I qualify for “Spartan Kids”?You may be a domestic undergraduate student at Michigan State University who received or is eligible for the Pell-grant on your Financial Aid Package (you must be able to provide proof) at the time of application. You may also be an income eligible graduate or international student (must be approved at time of application by the staff at the Family Resource Center).

You must be willing to use one of the childcare providers contracted with the "Spartan kids" program.

How do I apply for “Spartan Kids”?1. To obtain an application click here, complete it and then;

2. Call the Family Resource Center at (517) 432-3745 or email frc@hr.msu.edu to make an appointment.

3. Bring the application as well as proof of Pell-grant eligibility (a copy of your financial aid record from STU-INFO is acceptable) to your appointment. If you are a graduate or international student you must show proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements) DHS assistance (medicaid or bridge card), proof of enrollment in the Woman Infant Children (W.I.C. program).

MSU Childcare Grant- Financial Aid OfficeA child care grant is available to MSU students with children. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply International Students may apply for limited funding. Visit here for more information or contact Financial Aid. You may also check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions that will help clarify the program for you.

The Office of Financial Aid main office is at 252 Student Services Building and is open from 9AM-5PM, Mon-Fri. The Administration Building Office of Financial Aid is open from 8AM-5PM, Mon-Fri. For phone assistance, students may call (517) 353-5940 (TTY: 517/432-1357) Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Spartan Child Development Center - MSU students whose children are enrolled at SCDC may be eligible for a reduction in fees. Applicants must be income eligible. Rates are based on a sliding fee scale. The scholarships are sponsored by MSU in support of student parents. For details and application contact SCDC at (517) 353-5154 or visit them on the web.

Off-Campus Childcare AssistanceCity of Lansing Childcare Scholarship - Residents of Lansing my apply for this scholarship if they meet income guidelines and use a licensed childcare provider located in Lansing. This scholarship is administered by the Office for Young Children. For more detailed information and application, call (517) 887-4319, or 1-800-234-6996.

State of Michigan Department of Human Services - You may be eligible to receive assistance from the DHS childcare assistance program. Call: Ingham County DHS at (517) 887-9400, Clinton County DHS at (517) 224-5500, Eaton County DHS at (517) 543-0863, or Shiawassee County DHS at (517) 725-3200

Lansing Community College Women’s Resource Center - Lansing Community College students may be eligible for a childcare assistance program. WRC is located in the Gannon Vocational Technical Building (GVT), Suite 2300. Providing assistance to both men and women. Services include tuition and childcare grants, general information appointments, academic advising, support services, ‘Back to School’ workshops (orientation for new and returning students) and community referrals. Please call 483-1199 for additional information.

Family Growth Center - Two locations that offer free drop off respite childcare for families who need to run an errand, go to a doctor’s appointment or just have time to themselves. FGC accepts children from six weeks to age five and may attend up to 6 times a month. Morning or afternoon sessions available. For more information call Mondays 351-6641 or Tuesdays-Thursdays call 371-1347.

Head Start - Free preschool for eligible children ages 3-5. Full day and part day classroom options are available, at over thirty-five locations. Enrollment information is taken at 482-1504. Early Head Start services include home visits for pregnant women and children 0-3. Three infant/toddler classrooms are also available. Enrollment information is taken at 372-9411.